Trump called his own housing bill a ‘yawn.’ Now he’s heading for a west coast tour with a 32% approval rating on the economy

President Donald Trump is embarking on a rare visit to California and Nevada this week in an attempt to differentiate himself from Democrats on matters concerning the economy, border security, and crime, ultimately aiming to bolster support for Republicans in the upcoming elections that could determine whether his party retains control of Congress.

The former president has been grappling with connecting with voters on the economy due to factors such as high inflation and pervasive uncertainty overshadowing his often-discussed stock market gains and a low national unemployment rate. Trump is slated to address a fundraising dinner for the Republican National Committee in Rancho Palos Verdes, California on Tuesday, and discuss the economy at Red Rock casino in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

However, the data from an AP-NORC poll from late July indicates that only 32% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of the economy, while 69% characterize it as "poor." Many respondents also cited the rising costs of essentials like groceries and gas as a major source of stress in their lives. Trump's overall approval rating stands at 33%, slightly lower than his rating at this stage in his first term.

The Republican president is expected to target California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat frequently viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, during his West Coast tour. Newsom has emerged as one of Trump's most prominent opponents, with the White House spokesperson Olivia Wales announcing that the president intends to contrast his pragmatic agenda with Newsom's "radical policies."

Trump first visited California in January 2025 to survey the devastation caused by wildfires in Los Angeles County, which resulted in the loss of neighborhoods, homelessness, and more than two dozen fatalities. Despite a previously cordial relationship, tensions arose six months later when Newsom labeled Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines into Los Angeles without his consent as an "assault on democracy" following immigration raids.

While Trump commonly mocks Newsom using a derogatory nickname, Newsom retaliates with frequent social media posts. Housing prices are a significant concern during Trump's visit to Nevada, where he will be accompanied by Republican Governor Joe Lombardo in a closely contested gubernatorial race against Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford.

The state is grappling with an affordable housing shortage, surging energy demand due to AI data centers, and federal cuts to critical state programs. Despite Trump's attempts to sell voters on his income tax cuts and claims of a manufacturing renaissance, high interest rates, soaring gasoline prices, tariffs, and a national housing shortage have undermined his economic narrative.

Trump has even labeled his own housing bill a "yawn," while past speeches on the economy have shifted towards political rivalries and infrastructure projects in Washington, D.C.